The COVID-19 public health and economic crisis has changed different parts of reality for everyone. With such drastic changes in our day-to-day lives, economic uncertainty has become a driving force in many of our lives. For individuals fighting to climb the socioeconomic ladder and build self-sufficiency, this crisis has had an even greater impact.
Heartland Alliance’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program works with these individuals every day by providing the tools and education necessary to help people achieve financial success. For Latesha Harris, an FSS Asset Development Coordinator, this work is about building long-term relationships with people to develop the skills, talents, and finances to create confident and successful community members.
Today, the pandemic has pressured Harris and her participants to pull those resources and skills together to simply maintain household well-being.
“This is an unparalleled time, as a public health and economic crisis, so a lot of the work is just going back to the basics,” explained Harris. “We’re consistently assessing the housing and food security of our participants, but also checking in on their physical and mental health conditions.”
Some of Harris’s participants have the advantage of being able to carry out their job duties during COVID-19. While it may come as a relief, it also adds more pressures to family structures. Many of Harris’s participants are single parents who now have to be the teacher, parent, and employee all at once. Online education requirements – not to mention need to provide breakfast and lunch that was otherwise provided at school – has put heightened pressure on budgeting and available resources.
For those continuing to leave home for their essential worker duties, there is increased anxiety over the risk of bringing home the virus. According to Harris, however, many are happy to continue receiving income.
“We’re really concerned for those who have been laid off during this time. Stimulus checks will only last so long and many are stressed and worried about what tomorrow will bring.”
Despite the pandemic, Harris sees hope from many of the people that she serves. Individuals continue to seek new employment, connect with benefits that will help their families, and plan for the future. Of course, Harris and her colleagues are right there with them – helping them navigate resources, access online financial literacy workshops, and sharing guidance every step of the way.
In some regards, Harris sees this as an opportunity for progress. She’s already heard from many of her participants how the COVID-19 crisis has really forced them to focus on their finances, separating wants from needs, and finding ways to save. Even more inspiring, however, are the long conversations she has had with participants about the future. Sheltering at home has given many the chance to set goals and make plans – and Harris sees great things for their futures.
“If there’s a silver lining in all of this, it’s that many of our participants seem more focused on their economic success than ever. I’m excited to continue down this journey with them.”
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